Persistently suicidal? Maybe the problem is society, not you.

There is an underlying assumption that suicidality is a problem that originates within the suicidal individual. The conclusion that naturally arises from this assumption is: if you just pull yourself together, do the right things and improve your mental health, your suicidal thoughts will disappear.

This approach may work for some people, but to assume that suicidality is universally an individual’s problem is to paint the issue in black & white brushstrokes.

Getting exercise? Eating well? Engaging with your support network?

If you’re doing all the “right things” and you still feel suicidal, the problem may be society, not you.

Suicide derives from society, not just the individual

If suicidality were only something for an individual to address, then we would not observe the following:

· Suicide rates vary by country and region.

· The age at which people die by suicide varies by country.

· Suicide rates have largely been declining over time, due to greater awareness and more support.

We don’t talk enough about how society contributes to suicidality — not nearly as much as we portray individuals as having an almost sole obligation to rid themselves of suicidal thoughts, leaving people who experience ongoing suicidal ideation in a difficult position.